Council approves 132-unit Dove Street townhomes with 7 very-low-income units; park-fee waiver draws scrutiny

The Newport Beach City Council approved a 132-unit for-sale townhome development at 1300 Dove Street after staff and the developer said the project includes seven very-low-income units and qualifies for concessions under the state density-bonus law. Planning staff said the proposal meets the housing-opportunity overlay requirements and requested code amendments to add the site to the housing overlay. The project includes three requested objective-design waivers and a development agreement that provides a $3 million public-benefit fee and in-lieu park-fee reductions requested under the density-bonus path.

Opponents and some residents urged the council to re-examine whether the project in fact met the current state density-bonus thresholds and warned that reducing the park-fee obligation could reduce available park funding in a part of the city described as "park poor." Jim Mosher argued staff's interpretation of the density-bonus calculation should be verified, noting recent state law changes. The council approved the project 6–0 with Council member Stapleton recused; the motion followed a staff presentation, applicant remarks and public comment.